Our Director: Hilary Johnson
Hilary Johnson, Owner/Director of HJ Dance grew up north of Lincoln and started dancing at age 3. She performed in the Midwest Ballet for 8 years, twice as Clara in the Nutcracker. Hilary attended the Alabama High School of Fine and Performing Arts and graduated high school a year early to pursue a career in dance. She has danced professionally with Ballet Omaha and the Charleston Ballet Theatre, as well as being the featured dancer in a Mannheim Steamroller music video. She received her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Nebraska where she was a 4 year member and Captain of the Scarlets Dance Team. Prior to directing HJ Dance she was the Head Coach of the two-time National Champion Bengal Dancers at Idaho State University, where she was also part of the adjunct faculty in the Department of Theatre & Dance. Hilary enjoys judging competitive dance across the country.
Fun Facts
I have two Pomeranians; Tapper and Puffy
I like to read and swim
My favorite food is Spaghetti
My favorite color is pink
Ballet is my first love
I am an only child and only grandchild
Our Mission
Our mission is to instill a great love of dance, while inspiring self-confidence, discipline and respect of the performing arts. We provide a solid technical foundation for the developing dancer. We advocate the study of Classical Ballet as a foundation to instill an awareness of discpline, alignment and technique. Our goal is to give each individual dancer the tools they need to take dance as far as they dream to take it. Our instructors are skilled at identifying the specific needs of each student.
We will develop well-prepared dancers, should they so choose to pursue the arts professionally or are college bound. Once a dancer always a dancer, dance is something students can come back to during all stages of their life.
We will urge each student to strive daily for their best, and to support one another with a sense of teamwork in the studio.
It is clear that the discipline, focus and artistic aspects of dance create success in all aspects of life. Dance education contributes to the development of responsible, dedicated, determined, and creative adults in society.
“Our girls love the teachers and friendships that are made at the studio. They have grown in technique and built confidence all around. Hilary and her staff are professional, and organized, and create a positive experience for the dancers. We love being part of the HJ Dance family!”
- Todd & Megan Ehrke